BMW wishes a FWD Z2 will drive well like a Miata, or even a S2000. Well, actually, BMW wishes they could build a roadster like Miata.
In fact, the Miata is THE benchmark for entry level roadsters. It has been praised by people world wide for over 15 years. I really can't imagine a FWD Z2 can even touch the MX-5 Miata in price and performance.

By performance, i don't just mean engine displacement or HP output. drive-ability, handling, fun factor are all part of it.

OMG you are right, I checked the Mazda website because I was in disbelief. The Mazda Miata is rear-wheel drive. Mazda didn't shy away from RWD because the car has only a 4-cyl, they didn't shy away because probably 1/2 of its customers think it is FWD (BMW has this idea that they shouldn't develop RWD 1 and Z2 series because most owners are unaware according to surveys).

The truth is that Mazda had the conviction to make this car RWD regardless of development costs because that is the best way to make it perform - best way to keep its fan base.

The Z2 now becomes part of the FWD architecture and will comprise of a single model Roadster, The car is extremely compact and will offer a entry choice for a sporty BMW.

I am disappointed that the Z2 will only be available in a Roadster.
Naturally I prefer the RWD driving dynamic that I have come to know and appreciate from BMW but as I mentioned before I will wait and see what the FWD driving dynamic is like and how similar or different it is from MINI before I pass judgment. I understand the BMW is a business and of course businesses make money and want to be profitable. One way to do that is to share technology between brands and or car lines. However I think that BMW Group has to be very cautious and careful in how the differentiate the brands between MINI and the new FWD BMW's.

Says who? The Solstice/Saturn Sky did fine in this segment. And of course the BMW 4cyl (N20, probably) would smoke anything GM put in a car.

Get used to it, 6/8 cylinders in non performance cars is going (and already gone) away, across several manufacturers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by John_01

How can it possibly make sense not to give the buyers what they want?!?

Again, "buyer's want" is an artificial term. You know how many female 328 drivers I see/know that have no clue that they have a inline 6? Do they care? Of course not, nor does most of the general public. Goes fast, gets decent mileage = plenty of smiles. Doesn't matter if 4/6/8.

The Z2 is a smaller concept now than before , now it is using the more compact modular UKL Platform.
The Z2 will now share the platform with the next generation of MINI Coupe and Roadster. The Z2 might be rechristened Z1.

The Z2 effectively beckons the return of the Z3. With the next Z4 moving to become the Z5. Z3 is something BMW are wanting to return to because the name was hugely popular when the car was launched in 1995 , despite its ancient platform and mechanicals. Customers in droves bought the new Z3 and in certain parts of the world , Z3 waiting lists were up to two years long.

The Z3 name has always been earmarked for return.

Scott you need to create a table time, with timeline on the x-axis and model line up on the Y then product description in the production box.

The Z2 is a smaller concept now than before , now it is using the more compact modular UKL Platform.
The Z2 will now share the platform with the next generation of MINI Coupe and Roadster. The Z2 might be rechristened Z1.

The Z2 effectively beckons the return of the Z3. With the next Z4 moving to become the Z5. Z3 is something BMW are wanting to return to because the name was hugely popular when the car was launched in 1995 , despite its ancient platform and mechanicals. Customers in droves bought the new Z3 and in certain parts of the world , Z3 waiting lists were up to two years long.

Sporthatch...
That reminds me so much of Honda's epic fail with marketing the last Civic Type-R as Superhatch. Lets make up a name for every car in a model line, so only a true BMW addict can navigate this labyrinth of words! //Marketing division ftw. Stop it, BMW! Give us good cars, not riddles.

LOL! It's those stupid round lights!! I'm happy to hear the 1M was not a limited ed and will carry on as the M2, but PLEASE don't make it hideous! I'm already bummed about not getting one of the 1M's this year... btw, since the name is changing to M2, will that make the 1M some kind of rare collector's edition?? (double sad for not getting one)

OMG you are right, I checked the Mazda website because I was in disbelief. The Mazda Miata is rear-wheel drive. Mazda didn't shy away from RWD because the car has only a 4-cyl, they didn't shy away because probably 1/2 of its customers think it is FWD (BMW has this idea that they shouldn't develop RWD 1 and Z2 series because most owners are unaware according to surveys).

The truth is that Mazda had the conviction to make this car RWD regardless of development costs because that is the best way to make it perform - best way to keep its fan base.

BMW should too.

might have to pull your " CAR GUY" card for not knowing that the Miata is RWD. it's been out for just a LITTLE while..

The truth is that Mazda had the conviction to make this car RWD regardless of development costs because that is the best way to make it perform - best way to keep its fan base.

BMW should too.

Exactly right.

Many people who are ignorant of their cars mechanicals can still appreaciate a good handling car. IMO, BMW are underestimating and disrespecting their customers if their marketing relies on the argument that Don't know = Don't care.

Thanks for posting this addendum, SCOTT. south, can you add this info to the OP?

This strategy makes a lot more sense than having a FWD Z2 with the only RWD alternateive being a much larger Z4. I really like the looks of that Z3 render you posted. That is amazing.

So then, it could end up being:

Z1: UKL
Z3: F2x-based
Z5: F3x-based

IOW, for the RWD roadsters, the platform is one size smaller than you'd guess it might be from the name. I can accept that, I suppose. The only thing that does not makes sense is moving the roadsters back to odd numbers just as you are finally getting all the 4 seat coupes and convertibles to the even numbers. Oh well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The Z2 is a smaller concept now than before , now it is using the more compact modular UKL Platform.
The Z2 will now share the platform with the next generation of MINI Coupe and Roadster. The Z2 might be rechristened Z1.

The Z2 effectively beckons the return of the Z3. With the next Z4 moving to become the Z5. Z3 is something BMW are wanting to return to because the name was hugely popular when the car was launched in 1995 , despite its ancient platform and mechanicals. Customers in droves bought the new Z3 and in certain parts of the world , Z3 waiting lists were up to two years long.

The Z3 name has always been earmarked for return.

__________________

A gen-u-ine BMW eff-eight-zero with them tandem clutches in the transmission and that dad gum sun roof on the top-a da cawr.

LOL true, but not for too long, its not a German car, so its a big off my car guy radar

I guess the 22 years that the Miata/MX-5 has been around isn't too long. Also, what's wrong with the Honda S2000? It's a great handling RWD roadster with a high revving naturally aspirated engine and one of the best shifting 6MT's on the planet. The one complaint is that it doesn't have enough low end torque, but it's definitely an enthusiast's car.